SMB’s Bennie Boatwright. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has given an update on Bennie Boatwright’s bid to get naturalized as a Filipino for Gilas Pilipinas.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy shared on Monday that the federation, as well as the former San Miguel Beerman, are just waiting for the Philippine Government’s go signal.
“There are no changes with regards to pursuing Bennie Boatwright as our naturalized player at this moment,” said Dy at the sidelines of Pilipinas United 3x3 League’s pre-tournament press conference on Monday.
It was in 2024 when the process for Boatwright’s naturalization started, with former Senator Sonny Angara previously spearheading it in the 19th Congress through Senate Bill No. 2646 that sought to grant the former SMB star’s Philippine citizenship.
Unfortunately, Boatwright suffered an Achilles injury in August 2024, and this resulted in the whole process being sidelined.
Despite this setback, and with Boatwright already nearing recovery, the SBP stressed that things will just resume to how things were before the 6-foot-10 forward’s injury happened.
“We are just waiting for the Congress to schedule the hearings for him,” said Dy. “He is set to play in Taiwan right now, so it’s easier for him to come over when he is called.”
As things stand, and with Gilas set to come together once again in November for the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, Justin Brownlee will remain as the Nationals’ naturalized reinforcement for now.